Thermoplastic

When most people think of 3D printing, they think of fused deposition modelling, wherein an object is built up in successive layers of molten plastic. A new computer system is able to tweak that process, in order to build structurally stronger items.

Bike helmets work by absorbing impact energy that would otherwise be passed through to the wearer's head. An experimental new helmet is claimed to do so better than conventional models, thanks to a special resin.

When a vein or artery gets seriously blocked, a common course of action involves replacing it with part of another blood vessel harvested from elsewhere in the patient's body. Scientists have now developed an alternative – polymer fabric vessels that transform into biological ones, once implanted.

Computer scientist and watchmaking enthusiast Nicholas Manousos has created a printable version of the tourbillon watch movement called Tourbillon 1000%. Fabricated from thermoplastic and ball bearings, it may not be practical, but it's certainly eye catching.

Unlike the prickly desert dwelling plant, Citroen’s new C4 Cactus CUV/hatchback mashup is approachable and easy to hug. Lighter than the regular C4, the airbump-bearing vehicle is more about making a design statement than pushing the technological envelope.

Scientists are developing eco-friendly composite materials containing peat fiber and beet pulp.

The Flamestick is a waterproof, plastic firestarter that lights quickly and burns hot, making it suitable for lighting campfires and stoves, and its heat and burn time even makes it suitable as a cooking fuel.

KeepCup is an ecological solution to coffee-on-the-go that attempts to blend the best elements of disposable and reusable cups.

Polypropylene-based Tegris takes aim at carbon fiber.